Embraer and Boeing circle prey

Boeing and Embraer are swimming in the same circles at the Farnborough Airshow this week, after the two companies confirmed their long-awaited deal earlier this month to form an 80/20 joint venture aimed at the regional airframe market.

Embraer has its striking E190-E2 ‘Profit Hunter’ at Farnborough, the sharp-toothed shark livery on its nose likely to be one of the most photographed features all this week. The aircraft flew in from Brazil over the weekend, stopping off en route nearby at London City Airport (LCY) for a debut appearance there to demonstrate its ability to land and take off on airports with shorter runways. “The visit demonstrates the importance Embraer places on being able to offer LCY capability to airlines, and its intention to work with LCY to certify the E2 to meet customer demand, which is likely to rise as LCY increases connectivity.”

LCY’s location means operating aircraft have to be compatible with the airport’s steep approach and short runway. Embraer aircraft have been operating from there since 2009, when BA Cityflyer started operations with the E170. Last year EJets accounted for nearly 60% of departures from the airport.

The first commercial E190-E2 entered into service with Norway’s Widerøe in April, while the larger E195-E2 narrow-body goes into service next year with Azul in Brazil.

Boeing, meanwhile, is showing off from its commercial aviation division a B787-8 from Biman Bangladesh, as well as putting a B737 MAX 7 through its paces in a daily flying display. A B737 MAX 8 from Air Italy is also on static display.